Slow Release (Ebony and Ivory Book 1) (3 page)

Skye

The captain just informed the passengers that we were preparing to land in New York. I looked out the airplane window as his voice crackled over the intercom. I should have been tired from the long flight, but my excitement far outweighed my body’s need for rest. I was treated like royalty from the moment I boarded the plane. Immediately, I was ushered to first class where the stewardess pampered me and saw to my every need. Instinctively, I knew it was because of the man who was flying me out here. He was obviously more powerful and influential than I originally thought.

This was the first time I had ever been on an airplane, and I felt like this was only the beginning of what would be many first experiences. The plane jolted when the wheels hit the tarmac, and I grabbed ahold of my seat, thinking my clothing choice probably wasn’t the best. We think the oddest things when we’re in stressful situations.

When we were finally cleared to exit the plane, I stood and retrieved my carry-on from the overhead bin. Well, the stewardess actually rushed over and got it for me. Already, I was grateful to this man I didn’t know. Because I was in first class, I was able to exit the plane without having to fight the crowd. That was nice because I knew I was going to have to make my way through customs before I could meet up with whomever was here to pick me up.

I shuffled through the line at customs and noted the officers with dogs. I knew enough to know that since the 9/11 attack, security had tightened in airports and many other public places. Oddly, it made me feel safer rather than ill at ease.

The female behind the counter smacked on gum as she appraised me.

“Your passport, please.”

I laid the document on the counter.

“Purpose of your visit?”

“I’m here to work.”

The loud noise from the stamp she used on my passport let me know I hadn’t raised any suspicion, and I walked through the large airport to the waiting area. I found myself veering off course, and I stopped at a small store to look at the magazines on the rack, picking one up and thumbing through it.

“You’re going to be on the cover of every high fashion magazine in the country. Yours will be a household name by the time I’m finished with you.”

His voice sounded like a mixture of baritone and sex. I could feel the heat that started in my core and radiated up into my chest. I turned and looked straight at one of the most gorgeous men I’d ever laid eyes on. His coal black eyes studied me as he waited for my reply.

“What if I hadn’t been your model?”

“I’d know you anywhere.”

“And why is that?”

“Because you’ve been in my dreams from the moment I first saw your portfolio.”

“Oh, you’re good, aren’t you? But I’m here to work, so your charm won’t work on me. I’m a different breed.”

“Believe me, I already know that, but I beg to differ with you concerning my charm. I’ll win you over. You can be assured of that.”

“You seem quite confident in your abilities.”

“You have no idea.”

With that, he took my arm and whisked me away to my new life.

Damon

She was so fucking beautiful. If I thought I was affected by that portfolio of hers, it was nothing compared to seeing her in person. Her dark skin was so fucking perfect. It looked like silk and practically begged me to run my hands all over it to experience its texture. There wasn’t a lump or bump on the girl, just a palette of pure perfection awaiting my artist’s brush to make her a star.

Standing behind her, so close to that fine ass of hers, had my cock hard to the point I was almost embarrassed. I could only hope she wouldn’t look back and see it. She smelled divine, and it wasn’t cologne or perfume. It was all her, just pure pheromones. It was going to be hard as hell to not pin her against the wall and grind my hard cock all over that fine as hell body, but I had no intention of forcing her into anything. I brought her here to work first and foremost, and I was going to respect her. I would do what I promised and that was to make her a star. By the time I was finished with her, she would be
my
star.

“Are you hungry?” I asked her, trying to get my mind off what she was doing to my body.

“I’m not really dressed to go anywhere,” she answered, looking down as if she was embarrassed about her simple attire of jeans and a t-shirt.

“We can eat at the mansion. It will give you a chance to freshen up, and I can show you where you’ll be staying.” I turned and eyed her until she met my gaze. “You have no reason to be ashamed. You’re stunning in whatever you choose to wear; I’m certain of it. You sure caught my eye when I saw your portfolio, and you’re even more beautiful in person.”

“You are a charming man. I bet you’re quite a hit with the ladies.”

“Well, I don’t date my models, and I work a lot which doesn’t leave much time for dating.”

“That’s a shame.”

“What is? The fact that I work a lot or the fact that I don’t date my models?”

“Both.”

“Well, there are always exceptions to the rules, young lady. Though I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve ever been tempted to make one.”

Skye

I knew from the photo that my boss was devilishly handsome, and I had prepared myself for his good looks. What I had not prepared myself for was his charm. I felt at ease talking with this man, and I sincerely hoped he would not only be my boss, but my friend as well. Just in the short time I’d known him, he struck me as a man of character, but I wasn’t so naïve as to think he didn’t have his share of sexual escapades, not with his good looks.

He escorted me out to a car that looked like it cost more than I could have made in a lifetime of cleaning houses. Though Damon introduced the man who was driving as his business partner, I noted he looked more like a bodyguard. It made me wonder if and why my boss needed protection. Then again, I’m sure in his line of work, he must have to deal with everything from jealous lovers of models to disgruntled employees, perhaps even other agents.

Where I come from, I am used to seeing armed guards and men carrying guns. I have seen the ravages of civil war and the devastating effects of crime in my part of the country. Though I may be naïve in sexual matters, I am in no way ignorant to the hardships of life and how far hunger can drive a person into illegal activities. I’m certain hunger and illegal activities don’t play a part in this man’s need for a bodyguard though. Hopefully, in time, all the questions swirling around in my head will be answered.

Damon

I expected her to be a nervous wreck upon her arrival. I’d even gone so far as to worry about her feeling awkward in my presence. Nothing could be further from the truth. This woman was strong and confident. They were attributes I found to be sexy as hell.

I enjoyed our back and forth banter. The girl never missed a beat. She had an answer for everything I said to her, and I thoroughly enjoyed her company on the ride to the mansion.

The only time I witnessed her taken by surprise was when we pulled up to my estate. I purposely had my mansion built on ten sprawling acres outside the metropolitan area. I loved New York City, but when I came home, I wanted it to be a refuge from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

We pulled up to the security gate and made our way up the long, tree-lined driveway. Her audible intake of breath betrayed how impressed she was with my property. I watched her face as she took in her surroundings, appraising her new home.

“It’s beautiful. I don’t think even the president of Haiti has a house this beautiful.”

“Oh, I’m certain he is living quite well. The problem is the people of Haiti aren’t.”

She studied my face as if she was shocked I even cared. I did care, though, and I wanted her to know that.

I turned and lifted her chin with one finger before I spoke. “My home is now your home, and I want you to be comfortable here. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve taken the liberty of purchasing you some items, things I thought you might need.”

“You’ve been so good to me already. I hope I don’t let you down. You do realize this is my first modeling job, don’t you?”

“I’m pleased to know I’m your first. I’ll be even more pleased to know I’m your last.” I wasn’t going to tell her that my statement was a double entendre. I’m certain she’s not in the habit of dating a lot of men, much less sleeping around. Though she was past the age of sexual consent, in the part of Haiti where she’s from, more often than not, a woman remained a virgin until she married. I didn’t know if she was or not, and I really didn’t give a fuck. I wanted her!

“I don’t plan on working for anyone but you, Damon. I don’t know the industry, and for some reason, I feel safe with you.”

I cut my eyes at her to let her know I meant business. “I’ll not tolerate you working for anyone else. I’m a very possessive man, and I already know those feelings run deep concerning you. I. Will. Be. Keeping. A. Very. Close. Eye. On. You.”

I watched as she bit her bottom lip, and it took all my self-control to not crash my lips down over hers and rape her mouth. I wanted her pinned beneath me in the worst sort of way. The woman was like a force drawing me towards her, and I was a willing captive to her magnetism.